Module Information

Module Identifier
LA13520
Module Title
The Law of Obligations
Academic Year
2018/2019
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Also available in
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
GF13520 Welsh-language variant
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
LA33520 LA/GF33520 - Part-2 variants
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
LA16030 or GF16030 Pre-2015 part-1 versions of Tort
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
LA15830 or GF15830 Pre-2015 part-1 versions of Contract
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
LA35830 Pre-2015 part-2 Contract
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
LA36030 or GF36030 Pre-2015 part-2 versions of Tort

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 30 x 1 Hour Lectures
Seminar 6 x 1 Hour Seminars
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Essay  50%
Semester Assessment Students will undertake set tasks that require them to identify legal obligations in set scenarios and apply their knowledge so as to assign these obligations amongst rights and duty holders.  Practical exercise:  50%
Supplementary Assessment Essay - if element failed (and overall module mark less than 40%)  50%
Supplementary Assessment Practical exercise - if element failed (and overall module mark less than 40%)  50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Identify and explain how legal obligations are created and enforced, both in national and international law, and show an awareness of the differences between enforceability of obligations under national and international law.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant constituent elements of legal obligations, and be able to apply this understanding to the study of legal obligations in other fields of law.
3. Evaluate and analyse the scope of legal obligations and their role in the resolution of disputes; utilize understanding of the nature of obligations in the resolution of disputes.
4. Identify, evaluate and analyse other means of resolving legal disputes.
5. Construct credible and cogent arguments on the basis of relevant law and evidence, in order to develop skills in reading, understanding and applying the relevant domestic and international sources to legal problems; to interpret legal rules and texts; and to read and evaluate relevant secondary sources.

Brief description

The module addresses the concept and creation of civil legal obligations and State obligations. It will consider the content and purpose of such obligations and the role they play in national and international societies, as well as the resolution of disputes arising out of legal obligations.

Aims

The module aims to inform students of the key principles underlying legal obligations, as well as considering the specific legal elements of these principles, through the study of relevant case law and legislation. The module also aims to teach students about the resolution of legal disputes, including through non-litigious means.

Content

  • Nature of legal obligations
  • Basis and purpose of contractual obligations
  • Basis and purpose of tortious obligations
  • History of contract and tort
  • Working with obligations (skills)
  • Case study
  • Roman law of contract and delict
  • International legal obligations
  • Working with obligations (skills)
  • Case study
  • Customary legal obligations
  • Alternative dispute resolution

The seminars will be designed to support and reinforce students' learning of the main subjects addressed in the module.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number
Communication Written communication in the essay and exercise. Oral communication in seminars and lectures.
Improving own Learning and Performance Pre- and post-lecture research and seminar preparation; using legal databases in preparation for seminar work, the essay and the exercise
Information Technology In lectures, pre- and post-lecture research, seminar preparation, essay and exercise preparation.
Personal Development and Career planning The study of this module is crucial to, and will assist in, both further legal studies and a career in the legal profession. It will enhance students' appreciation of how law is created and how it works and therefore provide transferable skills.
Problem solving Preparation for and discussion of problem-solving questions in lectures; practical application in seminars and case studies
Research skills Pre- and post-lecture research; seminar and essay preparation
Subject Specific Skills Legal research: use of legal databases as a resource for statute and case law. Learning how to read primary sources. Learning how to read secondary sources and through this to distinguish relevant from irrelevant material. Problem-solving exercises will assist in developing the expertise to deal with such tasks in examinations but also with regard to legal issues in real life, particularly in a legal career.
Team work Seminar work, including preparation and group discussions. Students are encouraged to work together in solving problems.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4